A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Edinburgh vs. Mainz for Attractions, Old Town, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Edinburgh or Mainz?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Edinburgh and Mainz can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a ancient, charming, and character-filled city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and shopping.

Mainz

Mainz is a peaceful, historic, and quaint town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Edinburgh and Mainz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Edinburgh or Mainz?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Edinburgh than Mainz. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Edinburgh is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Mainz attracts visitors for its food. Edinburgh is more touristy than Mainz and is known for its medieval Old Town, the Royal Mile, and its influence on the Harry Potter series. It is also well known for The Edinburgh Castle. Mainz is famous for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares.

How is Edinburgh different from Mainz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mainz and Edinburgh. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Edinburgh or Mainz?

Edinburgh is terrific for its museums and history. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Edinburgh from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The most famous sights include the Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the National Museum of Scotland. There are also kid-friendly museums like Camera Obscura.

Mainz offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It's an old university town with a number of historical sights. Check out the Church of St. Stephan, Mainz Cathedral, the Gutenberg Museum, and the Museum of Ancient Seafaring.

Is Edinburgh or Mainz Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is a very popular place for theatre. However, Mainz is not a theatre destination.

Edinburgh attracts a wide-range of world-class performances. It's fun to see a live performance or attend one of the festivals in town.

Mainz is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Edinburgh or Mainz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mainz is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Edinburgh is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Mainz has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes that serve local food. There are also wine taverns where you can sample the local wines and dine of regional specialties.

Edinburgh may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The city has some unique but famous dishes to try including haggis and black pudding. For slightly less intimidating options, check out the cullen skink, porridge, or smoked salmon. There are many fish and chips shops to choose from as well as a diversity of ethnic restaurants including Indian, Thai, and Ethiopian.

Is Edinburgh or Mainz Better for Nightlife?

Edinburgh is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Mainz is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

Edinburgh has a large number of nightlife venues. With so many students, the nightlife stays very active. There are a wide range of bars and clubs to choose from as well as some of the country's oldest pubs. Tourists tend to frequent the Old Town area, but you'll find more locals if you head to the student and university areas.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Mainz. It's a sleepy little town, so even locals often head to bigger cities for better nightlife.

Is Edinburgh or Mainz Better for Music?

Edinburgh is terrific for live music. However, Mainz is not a live music destination.

Edinburgh is known as a music capital around the world. In addition to a wide range of live music venues, there are also a number of music festivals held in town.

Mainz is not a live music destination.

Is Edinburgh or Mainz Better for its Old Town?

Edinburgh is terrific for its historic old town. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

Edinburgh has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The city's Old Town attracts international visitors who come to see the Edinburgh Castle, the quaint streets, and the many shops and cafes. The Royal Mile is a popular area with pubs and souvenir shops. It connects the castle to the Scottish Parliament.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Mainz. Filled with beautiful squares and cobblestone streets, this is a nice old town in a pleasant city.

Is the Shopping Better in Edinburgh or Mainz?

Edinburgh is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Edinburgh. Head to Princes Street in the New Town to visit department stores and other name brand shops. Nearby George Street has more boutique style shops and less crowds. In the Old Town, Victoria Street is filled with Harry Potter shops and tourist stores where you can pick up a kilt or Edinburgh sweatshirt.

Mainz offers some nice shopping areas. Head to the boulevard of Am Brand near the cathedral for some of the town's best shopping. There are shops that line the street and it's a nice area to walk around.

Is Edinburgh or Mainz Better for Families?

Edinburgh is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Mainz is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

Edinburgh is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will enjoy wandering down Victoria Street and popping in the Harry Potter shops. There are also a number of fascinating Harry Potter tours that take you through notable landmarks where J.K. Rowling was inspired to write these popular stories. You'll even visit Tom Riddle's gravesite. Other highlights that families will enjoy include Edinburgh Castle and the Edinburgh Dungeon, which is best for older kids or kids that enjoy a good scare. Younger kids will enjoy a trip the illusions museum, Camera Obscura, which also offers one of the best views of the city.

Mainz doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Kids will enjoy the Gutenburg Museum and the outdoor spaces where they can run around. There's also a nice old town that everyone will have fun exploring.

Is Edinburgh or Mainz Better for Couples?

Both Edinburgh and Mainz are great destinations for a couple's getaway.

Edinburgh makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its castle and the Royal Mile, there are many romantic places to explore as a couple. There are also good restaurants and some nice hotels. Whether you're interested in history, food, or fun, this city makes for a great couples trip.

Couples visit Mainz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Located on the Rhine River, this scenic setting is popular for river cruises. The town is nice to explore on its own, or you can hop around and take in several of the German river towns. You can also sit at outdoor cafes and sip local wine.

Is Edinburgh or Mainz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Edinburgh. The city has some good hostels and an active nightlife, so it's not hard to find other travelers to hang out with. It's a well visited city with many areas that attracted younger travelers or students.

Plenty of backpackers visit Mainz. The town is popular with river cruises but you'll also find a hostel or two where budget travelers can save some money and meet other backpackers.

Is Edinburgh or Mainz Better for Students?

Both Edinburgh and Mainz are great destinations for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Edinburgh. This multicultural city is popular with international students because of its excellent research and academic centers as well as its unique history.

Many students visit Mainz. It's a university town with a pleasant atmosphere and a beautiful setting.

Is Edinburgh or Mainz Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Mainz is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Mainz can get you to some places easily. There are regional trains that make it easy to use Mainz as a base to explore the area, or you could visit Mainz as a day trip from another nearby town.

You'll find some public transit in Edinburgh, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses are the best way to get into town from the outer edges if you don't have a car.

Is Edinburgh or Mainz a more walkable city?

Edinburgh and Mainz are world-class when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Edinburgh. The Old Town in particular is fun to walk around

Getting around Mainz on foot is easy. The town is easily explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Edinburgh Worth Visiting? and Is Mainz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mainz or Edinburgh?

How long in Edinburgh or Mainz?

It's fun to spend time in either Edinburgh or Mainz. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Edinburgh due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Edinburgh, and 2-4 days is enough time in Mainz.

Families should spend more time in Edinburgh than Mainz. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Edinburgh, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Edinburgh than Mainz. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Edinburgh that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Edinburgh than Mainz if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Edinburgh.

One day in Edinburgh or Mainz?

In Edinburgh, many people enjoy the live music and shopping that this vibrant destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Mainz. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Edinburgh or Mainz?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Edinburgh. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find museums and food around the beautiful destination of Mainz. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Edinburgh or Mainz?

Edinburgh is a fun place to experience. In Edinburgh, many people enjoy the museums and theater that this quaint destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic town of Mainz. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Edinburgh or Mainz?

You'll find theater and nightlife around the character-filled destination of Edinburgh. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Mainz is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Edinburgh and Mainz, we can see that Edinburgh is more expensive. And not only is Mainz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mainz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mainz and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Edinburgh would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Edinburgh than you might in Mainz.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Edinburgh Expensive? and Is Mainz Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Edinburgh or Mainz?

Edinburgh has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Mainz. When comparing the sizes of Edinburgh and Mainz, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Edinburgh or Mainz?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Mainz in the Summer?

Both Mainz and Edinburgh are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Edinburgh because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Mainz this time of year.

In July, Edinburgh is generally cooler than Mainz. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 14°C (58°F), and Mainz fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Mainz. Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Mainz during summer. Edinburgh gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 225 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Edinburgh usually receives less rain than Mainz. Edinburgh gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Mainz in the Autumn?

Both Mainz and Edinburgh during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Edinburgh this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Mainz for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Edinburgh is cooler than Mainz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Mainz. Edinburgh gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 103 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets more rain in October than Mainz. Edinburgh gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Mainz in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Edinburgh and Mainz. Many travelers come to Edinburgh for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Mainz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Mainz can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Edinburgh. In the winter, Edinburgh is much warmer than Mainz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Edinburgh in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Mainz averages at about 2°C (35°F).

Edinburgh usually receives more sunshine than Mainz during winter. Edinburgh gets 48 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 41 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Edinburgh usually receives more rain than Mainz. Edinburgh gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Mainz in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Edinburgh as well as Mainz. Many visitors come to Edinburgh in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Mainz for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Edinburgh is generally much colder than Mainz. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 7°C (45°F), and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the spring, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Mainz. Edinburgh gets 132 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 163 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets less rain in April than Mainz. Edinburgh gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Mainz and Edinburgh